Robotic bog cleaner loves the jobs people hate

IF you cannot stand cleaning the toilet, an American company could have the answer. Its "ScrubMate" robot will nor only perform that unsavoury task - it will also clean urinals, sinks and mop the bathroom floor.

ScrubMate is the brainchild of robot pioneer Joseph Engelberger, who designed the first robot used in industry 34 years ago. Today, Engelberger has turned his attention to more everyday uses for robots - in the home, the hospital and wherever bathrooms need cleaning.

When ScrubMate enters a bathroom, its human companion empties the bins, replenishes the hand towels and toilet paper and removes rubbish from the floor. From there on, ScrubMate takes over. First, it scans the room with laser light to match the particular bathroom it has entered with a set of maps stored in its computer.

Next, it approaches a toilet, sprays it with water and scrubs it with detergent, being sure ...

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